At the March meeting of the Simpson County School District, Superintendent of Education Dr. Paul Lawrence officially announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2025. The announcement marks the conclusion of a distinguished 32-year career in public education, with the last decade dedicated to serving the students and families of Simpson County. Dr. Lawrence delivered his retirement notice through a heartfelt letter, expressing gratitude for his time in education and the impact he has had on both students and colleagues.
Dr. Lawrence made the announcement reading the following letter:
“I am writing this letter to inform the Simpson County School Board, my employees and staff as well as the Simpson County Community that I will be retiring from my position as Superintendent of the Simpson County School District on June 30, 2025. For 32 years, I have served in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, with the past 10 years being spent here in Simpson County serving as the Principal of Magee Elementary and as Superintendent of the District.
I am proud of the progress and improvements we have made at Magee Elementary and now are making in the entire school district. I am also appreciative of the numerous awards and accolades that I and my schools have earned over the years on a local, statewide and even national level. However, the most satisfying aspects of this career have been the opportunities I have had to make a difference in the lives of young people and to watch the friends and colleagues I have met along the way grow in their professional and personal lives.
I thank you for the trust you have placed in me to be a school administrator and to help be a part of raising the children of this community. It is a trust that I never took lightly or for granted. These are good kids and they will rise to any expectation you set for them. So always set your expectations high.
Until my retirement date, rest assured that you will receive my 100% devotion and attention to detail as I desire for the transition to the next superintendent and the 25-26 school year to be as smooth as possible.”
Following Dr. Lawrence's announcement, the Simpson County School Board unanimously accepted his retirement letter and voted to begin the search for a new Superintendent of Education immediately.
